Myanmar: Cyclone Nargis OCHA Situation Report No. 52

OVERVIEW & KEY DEVELOPMENTS

- Cyclone Nargis hit Myanmar on 2-3 May 2008, affecting some 2.4 million people living in Ayeyarwady and Yangon Divisions. Almost 140,000 people were killed or remain missing, according to the official figures. Six months on, the revised Appeal, covering relief and early recovery needs up to April 2009, has recently seen some improvements in funding level, now approximately 63%, according to OCHA's Financial Tracking Services (FTS) . The early recovery, both agricultural and non-agricultural, continues to experience significant short fall, nevertheless. Agriculture in particular continues to be the least funded sector with 24% in funding level. Precarious conditions of the emergency shelters are also of serious concern and support for more durable and safe solutions is called for.

- The Tripartite Core Group (TCG), consisting of high-level representatives of the Government of the Union of Myanmar, ASEAN and the United Nations, continues regular and constructive engagement to facilitate the cyclone response delivery. The Periodic Review, building on the Village Tract Assessment (VTA) component of the Post-Nargis Joint Assessment (PoNJA), is currently conducting data collection in hubs, targeting 130 villages. Concurrently, a qualitative survey on protection of children and woman is conducted. The draft narrative and analysis will be finalised by 23 November for submission to the TCG Periodic Review Strategic Advisory Group. The results of the first Periodic Review will be shared at the UN/ASEAN summit in Thailand, planned for mid December.

- To complement Government's recovery and reconstruction efforts, the humanitarian community is developing the "Post Nargis Recovery and Preparedness Plan" (PONREPP) covering 2009-20011. The UN and NGO partners in the sectoral working groups have developed concept papers for six areas of cooperation: Disaster Risk Reduction, Education, Health, Livelihood (agriculture/non-agriculture), Shelter, and WASH. Additionally, the protection of vulnerable groups is to be presented as a specific theme. The PONREPP process was officially launched on 5 November in Yangon, in conjunction with the first stakeholder consultation. Relevant ministries were represented along with other stakeholders, to review the concept papers.

- UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and ASEAN organised "Regional High-level Expert Group Meeting on post-Nargis Recovery and Livelihood Opportunities in Myanmar" on 27-28 October in Bangkok. The TCG chair, along with the representatives of relevant Ministries, attended from Myanmar, as well as the Humanitarian Coordinator, a.i. and the Resident Coordinator. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange experience and lessons learnt from recovery and DRR in major natural disasters in the region, including the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, 2005 Pakistan earthquake and 2007 cyclone Sidr in Bangladesh.

- UN Humanitarian Air Services (UNHAS) has been granted permission to extend its helicopter operation until April 2009. One helicopter will remain to service the movements of humanitarian personnel from Yangon to and within the Delta, focusing on operational needs in southern Delta, whilst land access to northern areas will see improvements during the dry season.